The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has highlighted significant challenges faced by the Sudanese military’s main battle tanks.
Engagements from April 15 between the Sudanese Military and the country’s leading paramilitary force the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has raised questions regarding the capabilities of the Army’s ground warfare capabilities, with unverified reports emerging from the country of heavy losses among tank units in particular. Sudanese tanks were deployed to the capital Khartoum in the weeks preceding the outbreak of hostilities, which was widely interpreted as a show of force against the RSF, although the militia’s anti tank capabilities have reportedly been formidable. The ongoing hostilities, the outcome of which remains highly uncertain, make assessment of Sudanese armoured warfare capabilities highly relevant.
Sudan acquired its first Soviet tanks in 1958 with the delivery of 20 T-34 tanks from Egypt, which had been acquired by the Egyptian Army second hand from the Soviet Union before being passed onto its southern neighbour. The vehicles provided key experience in operating armour which was still relatively modern for its time.
The Sudanese Army’s tank units are almost exclusively formed of derivatives of the T-54/55 tank, a class which first entered service in 1948, which remains the most mass produced tank in history and the most widely used in the world today due to its very low maintenance needs.
China emerged as a leading supplier of armour to Sudan, and having begun producing the Type 59 tank as a derivative of the T-54/55 in 1958, it made the first deliveries to Sudan in 1972 with a package estimated at 50 vehicles. These were preceded by deliveries of an estimated 70 Type 62 light tanks from 1971-73, which were also Type 59 derivatives but with lighter armour and smaller main guns among other weight reducing modifications.
Having begun producing the Type 59 tank as a derivative of the T-54/55 in 1958, it made the first deliveries to Sudan in 1972 with a package estimated at 50 vehicles. These were preceded by deliveries of an estimated 70 Type 62 light tanks from 1971-73, which were also Type 59 derivatives but with lighter armour and smaller main guns among other weight reducing modifications.
After the Cold War’s end Sudan placed an order in 1999 for 70 more T-55s from Belarus, namely the enhanced T-55AM-2 variant, which were acquired second hand and modernised significantly with Russian support.
Sudan’s T-54/55 acquisitions culminated in the setting up of a production line for the Chinese Type 59D, which was built under license from 2010 as the Al Zubair tank. These currently form the backbone of the fleet with 50-100 thought to have been built.
The elite of the Sudanese Army’s tank units is formed of Chinese Type 88 tanks, a close relative almost identical to the Type 96 which entered frontline service in China from 1997 and which remains production for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
These were built under license in Sudan from 2002 under the designation Al Bashir, and represented the country’s only tanks with a viable 21st century capability for tank on tank warfare.
Despite operating a range of tanks, including the locally produced Al Zubair tanks, Chinese Type 59D tanks, Chinese Type 88 tanks, and Soviet-era T-54/55 tanks, the Sudanese Army has struggled to gain the upper hand.
Here are some key reasons why:
1. Technological Disparity
The RSF has reportedly acquired advanced anti-tank weaponry, including modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and portable anti-tank rocket launchers. These weapons are highly effective against older tank models like the T-54/55 and even some of the more modern Chinese tanks.
2. Mobility and Terrain
The Sudanese Army’s tanks, particularly the older T-54/55 models, suffer from limited mobility and are less suited to the rugged and urban terrains where much of the fighting occurs. The RSF, with its more agile and versatile forces, can exploit these weaknesses more effectively.
3. Firepower and Armor
While the Al Zubair tanks and Chinese Type 59D tanks are equipped with 105mm smoothbore guns, they may still fall short in terms of firepower and armor protection compared to more modern tanks. The RSF’s anti-tank capabilities, combined with their knowledge of the local terrain, allow them to target and disable these tanks more efficiently.
4. Maintenance and Logistics
Maintaining and repairing tanks in a conflict zone is a significant challenge. The Sudanese Army’s logistical capabilities may be strained, leading to operational issues with their tanks. The RSF, on the other hand, may have better access to maintenance resources and support.
5. Training and Tactics
Effective tank warfare requires well-trained crews and sophisticated tactics. The Sudanese Army’s tank crews may not have received the same level of training and support as their adversaries, impacting their performance in combat.